VOLUNTEERS who “share the care” for families of children with disabilities have been talking about their experiences ahead of a drive to recruit more people to the scheme.

The initiative, which is run by East Lothian health and Social Care partnership, matches families with a volunteer who provides them with regular respite.

And it can take as little as four hours a fortnight for someone to make a huge difference in the children’s lives.

Leann Robinson, a senior practitioner with the Share the Care team, said the volunteers take on a role that a close family friend or relative might, by spending time with a child allowing the family to do other things.

She said: “It can be a great experience for both the carers and the families, it allows the families to get time with other children who may miss out at times and benefits everyone.”

There are currently 20 Share the Care carers in East Lothian helping support more than 30 families.

And some took part in video messages on social media to encourage more people to get involved.

One carer revealed: “I take a tea-time solt for two and a half hours every Tuesday and once every two months I have an overnight. It fits in nicely to my busy life and doesn’t feel like work because I get som much enjoyment from it.

“I’ve been with my child for seven years so have watched him go from Primary 1 to first year which is amazing.”

Another said: “I’ve been doing it for eight years now and find it really enjoyable.”

The service provides essential support to children and their families by offering regular breaks in the carer’s home, the child’s home or the local community.

It gives the child the chance to take part in different activities and make new friends, as well as giving the parents the opportunity to spend time with others in the family, or just to recharge their batteries.

No particular qualifications although warmth, humour and patience are essential.

It can be helpful if a carer has some knowledge or experience of disability but this is not necessary in every situation

The partnership is holding an open evening in Haddington Town House on Wednesday, October 3, for people to meet the volunteers and find out more about how they can get involved.

The meeting is being held between 6pm and 7.30pm.